Automatic filling device



NOV- 8, 1955 w, M. sHANHoUsE ETAL 2,723,069

AUTOMATIC FILLING DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet l H m/ ATTOR NEYS Nov. 8, 1955w. M. sHANHoUsE ETAL 2,723,059

AUTOMATIC FILLING DEVICE Filed March 24, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov. 8,1955 w. M. sHANHoUsE ETAL 2,723,069

AUTOMATIC FILLING DEVICE Filed March 24, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORWll-LIAM M. SHANHOUSE ERNEST DAHER BY mlprm ATTO R N EYS llnited StatesPatent @hice 2,723,069 *Patented Nov. 8, 1955 AUTOMATIC FILLING DEVICEApplication March 24,1953, Serial No. 344,426 17 claims. (ci. 226-99)This invention relates to a device for automatically filling containers,such as paperboard milk containers and the like.

' A primary object of the invention is the provision of an automaticfilling device constructed and arranged in such a manner that emptycontainers may be intermittently conveyed to a filling station inalignment with a vertical supply conduit, the container at the fillingstation being elevated to a iilling'position in which the bottom of thecontainer actuates a valve body of the supply conduit so that thecontainer may be filled to a predetermined level without splashing7 orfoaming, after which the filled container is lowered and conveyed awayfrom the filling station simultaneously with the arrival of a freshempty container thereat.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an automatic fillingdevice of the character indicated wherein the successive operations ofconveying, elevation, filling, lowering and conveying are accomplishedin timed sequence and in a fully automatic manner, con-l tinuousoperation of the device merely requiring unskilled labor for loadingempty containers at one end and removing filled containers at the otherend of the device.

, A further object of the invention is the provision of an automaticfilling device of the character indicated which is particularly suitablefor use with containers of the peaked-top closure type, having shiftablegripping or spreading elements which are operative during the elevationof the container to filling position to spread and open the peaked-topclosure of the container thereby permitting entry of the supply conduitwithin the container.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of an automaticfilling device ofthe character indicated which is constructed andarranged in such a manner that it may be readily adapted for fillingcontainers of various shapes and sizes.

A further object of the invention is the provision of an automaticfilling device of Vthe' character indicated arranged in such a manner asto prevent a flow of milk or other liquid from the supply conduit in theevent that the elevating platform arrives in filling position'withoutcarrying an empty container thereupon.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an automatic fillingdevice of the character indicated which is designed in such a manner asto prevent tipping and spilling of the contents of a filled containerafter it has been conveyed beyond the filling station by automa'ti callyinterrupting the movement of the conveyor in the event that the filledcontainer at the last station of the device has not yet been removedfrom the table of the device.

The foregoing objects as well as additional objects and advantages ofthe invention willlbe readily apparent in the course of the` followingdetailed :description taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a'. front plan view, partly insection, ofan f 2 automatic filling device embodying the features of the inventionthe container illustrated being of the 'peakedtop closure variety;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged detail view of a preferred form of supply valvecarried at the lower end of the supply conduit; v

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the device taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 1,the lower frame portionv of the device bengbroken away;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Fig. l and alsoillustrates a portion of the endless belt conveyor with the apertures orcut-outs therein for receiving and conveying containers along the tableof the device;

Fig. 5 is a schematic view of an electrical control circuit for use inconnection with the device, the conveyor actuating means and theplatform reciprocating means being diagrammatically illustrated;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of one type of container whichmay be fed to the device, the container having a peaked-top closure;

Fig.y 7 is a View similar to Fig. 6 but showing the top closure flaps inpartly open position;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged detail View illustrating the initial stage in theoperation of the gripping and spreading element to open the peaked-topclosure tiaps of the container shown in Figs. 6 and 7 as the containeris elevated to filling position;

Fig. 9 is a sectional View taken on line 9-9 of Fig. 8;

Fig. l0 is a View similar to Fig. 9 illustrating a successive stage inthe operation of the gripping and spreading element;

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken on line `1.1-11 of Fig. 10;

Fig. l2 is a sectional view illustrating a further stage in the openingof the peaked-top closure of the container; and l Fig. 13 is afragmentary detail view of the upper end of one of the arms of thegripping and spreading element.

Referring first to Figs. 1 and 2, the frame F of the device comprisesuprights 10 having at their lower end adjustable levelling tips 11 andsupported by suitable longitudinal struts 12 and transverse struts 13(see Fig. 1). Uprights 10 support a table 14 defining a longitudinallyextending channel or well 15 along which containers C may be fedintermittently to the filling station of the device by means of asuitable conveyor system. In the preferred embodimentof'the inventionthe conveyor system conveniently takes the form of an endless belt 16constructed of stainless steel or other suitable material supportedbetween rollers 17 and arrangedrin such a manner that the upper courseof the belt overlies well 15 while the lower course of the belt extendsbeneath table 14. Rollers 17 are carried on shafts 18 mounted onsuitable framework comprising vertical hangers 19, longitudinal tubularsupports 20 and transverse struts 21. in order to adjustably tensionbelt 16, one of the rollers l17 may have its respective shaft 18journaled between a pair of adjustable telescopic extensions 22 oftubular supports 20, as illustrated on the left side in Fig. 1.

In order to slidably convey containers C toward the filling stationalong the bottom of well 15, conveyor belt i6 is provided throughout itslength with a plurality of equally spaced apertures or cut-outs 23. Theshape of cut-outs 23 will, of course, depend upon the shape of thecontainers being filled and in the embodiment illustrated said cutoutsare preferably square to correspond to the square cross-section ofcontainer C. Moreover, the cutouts are arranged in such a manner and aresufi'iciently large to accommodate containers of conventionallygraduated capacity, suchas 1 qt., 2 qt., etc., and to convey each of thecontainers Ato a position of predeterminedv alignment at the fillingstation, as willqbe more fully described hereinbelow. As best seen inFig. 4, it will also be understood that square cut-outs 23 are arrangedin diamond fashion so that the diagonals of said square cutoutssubstantially .coincide with the longitudinal midline of belt 16, withthe vertex corners of adjoining cut-outs adjacent each other. Thus itwill be readily seen that as the containers are -drawn in the directionof the arrow in Fig. 4, each container will be constantly retained infixed alignment against the left-hand vcorner of a respective cut-out 23ldespite the -fact that the container might be substantially smallerthan the conveyor cut-out, as shown.

.Suitable means are provided for intermittently actuating conveyor belt16 in order to feed containers along the well of .table 14 toward thefilling station of the device. The conveyor actuating means mayconveniently take the form of an air cylinder 24 having a reciprocablepiston rod 25 formed at its outer end with a depending arm 26. A pusherelement or claw 27 is pivotally secured to arm 26 andis provided with ananterior notched end 27a and a posterior notched end 2712 whichalternately engage opposite corners of a respective cut-out 23 in thelower course of belt 16 during advancement .and retraction of piston rod25. The anterior end of claw 27 is counter-weighted so that anteriornotched end 27a will swing downwardly to engage the left-hand corner ofcut-out 23 during the advancing stroke of piston rod 25 (see Fig. l)thereby advancing the belt 16 one step. Upon retraction of claw 27 theopposite end thereof is caused to move downwardly by means of adetiecting finger 28 attached to the air cylinder 24 so that theposterior notched end 27b of said clawv will engage the opposite orright-hand corner of cut-out 23 .in order to retract the conveyor belt16 slightly. The purpose of slightly retracting the conveyor belt 16 isto insure clearance between the sides of the container C and therespective sides of a cut-out 23 at the ,filling station of the deviceas shown in Fig. l, so that the container may be readily raised tofilling position by the elevator mechanism of the device, as will now bedescribed.

As seen in Figs. l and 3 the table well `15 is apertured at 29 atithefilling station and provided with flanges 30 for supporting a platform31 having spaced depending legs 32, preferably four in number. Platform31 is provided with a central aperture 33 for a purpose to be fullydescribed hereinbelow. Suitable elevator mechanism is provided forraising an empty container C, which has been conveyed to the fillingstation in rest position supported on platform 31, ,to filling positionwhere the container is filled and then subsequently lowered back to restposition, as will be morev fully described. The elevator mechanism mayconveniently take the form of an air cylinder 34 suitably supported onthe framework of the device and having a reciprocable piston rod 3Swhich carries a faceplate or pusher plate 36. Pusher plate 36 isprovided with four recesses or dimples 37 suitably spaced apart tocorrespond to the spacing of platform legs 32 in order to contact saidlegs and elevate platform 31 and container C during the advancing strokeof piston rod 35, as best seen in Fig. 3. For sanitary purposes aircylinder 34 is preferably provided with a protective jacket or shield 38of stainless steel orl the like which is secured to pusher plate 36. Inaddition, shroud 38 serves for rotational piston alignment and may servealso as an actuating cam for certain of the switches included in theelectrical circuit.

A vertical supply conduit 40 is mounted above table 14 and in alignmentwith the filling station of the device and platform 31. Supply conduit40 is supported in a bracket 41 carried at the upper ends of inclinedside bars 42 and rear bar 43 and communicates with a supply reservoir(not shown). Supply conduit 40 carries at its lower end a delivery valve44 having an elevatable valve plug 45 engageable by the bottom of thevcontainerl C in;

its elevated position of Fig. 3 to cause a flow of liquid into thecontainer by gravity feed.

As best seen in Fig. 2, valve 44 preferably comprises a valve body 46defining an annular valve seat 47 cooperating with the valve plug 45 fornormally closing off the flow of liquid in the position shown. Valveplug 45 is formed with an external projection 45a adapted to be engagedby the bottom Wall of the container C in its elevated position of Fig. 3in order to raise said valve plug and permit a flow of liquid into thecontainer. Valve plug 45 is further preferably provided in its upperportion with a plurality of fins or vanes 48 in order to promote uniformiiow of liquid. The described arrangement of the valve serves to assurefilling of the container Without undesirable foaming, splashing, etc.

A fixed outer cylindrical hoo-d 50 surrounds supply conduit 40 andserves as a support for a dismountable inner cylindrical hood or shroud.51 having at its upper end a pair of short locating arms 52 and arelatively long locating arm 53 (see Fig. 4). Shroud 51 is elongated andpreferably formed .at its lower end with a ared or conical mouth 51a.Outer hood 50 and inner shroud 51 are .formed at their respective lowerends with an upwardly turned lip 50a and Slb, respectively, forretaining and disposing condensed moisture and the like. Intermediateits ends at approximately the level of the bottom of outer hood 50,inner shroud 51 is provided with mounting legs 54 lancl 55 which serveto firmly secure said inner shroud in place as by means of clampingelements 54a and 55a carried by said outer hood. Clamping elements 54aand 55a are preferably of different size to prevent misalignmeut ofinner shroud 51. The described arrangement permits the use ofinterchangeable inner shrouds of varying dimensions and shapecorresponding to the capacity and shape of the containers being filledin a given case. Inner shroud 51 serves to support and guide thecontainer C in proper alignment as the container is elevated from thefilling station in the position of Fig. l to the position of Fig. 3.

Suitable. means are provided for Jfilling the container to apredetermined level and for then actuating the elevator mechanism of thedevice vin order to retract platform 31 and the filled container back totable 14. Such means preferably include a level-detecting contact fingeror probe 60 adjustably mounted on an insulating block 61. Probe 60 iselectrically connected to a control circuit which governs the conveyorbelt and elevator mechanisms-of the device in a manner to be fullydescribed hereinafter with reference to the electrical control circuitschematically illustrated in Fig. 5. As will be seen the control circuitis devised in such a manner that when probe 60 contacts the liquid inthe container at a pre,- deterrnined level (see Fig. 3) the probe willbe grounded, thereby de-energizing a solenoid which actuates an airvalve associated with air cylinder 34 in such a manner as to retractpiston rod 35 and lowering the platform 31 and the filled containercarried thereupon. The moment the bottom of the container is carried outof contact with external projection 45a of valve plug 45, the valve plugdrops against its valve seat 47 (see Fig. 2) and automaticallyinterrupts the flow of liquid. The complete operation of the varioussolenoid controls and relay switches and the manner in which they governthe movcment of the conveyor belt and `elevator mechanisms of the devicein predetermined timed sequence will be fully described below.

It will, of course, be understood that the device of the presentinvention may be employed for filling containers of varying sizes andshapes and lhaving a variety of top closure constructions. However, thedevice may be adapted for use with containers of the familiar peaked-topclosure construction such as container C illustrated in the drawings andused frequently for milk and other beverages.

Referring: .more particularly to; Figs. 6 and `7, the

pair of diagonal score lines 6 6 converging in an apex 6 7 and arelatively short vertical score line 68 extending upwardly from apex.67.By reason of the described' arrangement of score lines the side walls 64are adaptedy tofold inwardly between the side walls 63 to form thepeaked-top closure construction shown in Fig. 6. Side walls 63 areformed with inner tuck liiap v63a and outer tuck flap 63b and firmclosure of the containerqis obtained, 'after the container has beenfilled with milk or any other beverage, by a conventional metal clamp(not shown) which may be crimped over outer tuck ap 63b in thewell-known manner. Containers of the type described are constructed ofrelatively heavy cardboard, paperboard or the like and are supplied withthe top closure folded substantially in the position shown in Fig. 6with inner tuck iiap 63a retained between the inwardly folded portionsof side wall 64 and an adjacent side wall 63. In order to lill thecontainer it is first necessary to open the top closure to permitinsertion of a liquid supply conduit.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in thedrawings, a gripping and spreading element is associated with innershroud 51 which serves to open the peaked-top closure of container C asthe container is raised to filling position. The construction andoperation of the gripping and spreading element 70 will now be describedwith particular reference to Figs. 8 to 13 inclusive. Element 70 isarranged for free slidable movement within inner shroud 51 and includesa shaft or crossbar 71 having a pair of terminal enlargements such asthe spheres 72 which are slidably and rotatably retained within a pairof opposed longitudinal channels 73 formed in the body of said innershroud. A pair of spaced apart, inclined iingers 74 is rigidly fixed tocrossbar 71 and a tripping arm 75 having a roller 76 at its free end isalso secured rigidly to said crossbar. As seen in Figs. l and 11 thegripping and spreading element 70 is normally in rest position at thelower end of inner shroud 51 with roller 76 of tripping arm 75 restingagainst flared mouth 51a. At the upper end of each finger 74 a contactmember or block 77 is mounted for limited pivotal movement as by meansof a pin 78. Shaft or crossbar 71 is preferably, but not necessarily,semicircular in cross-section. Each block is provided with an arcuateabutment face 79 and a pin 80 (see Fig. 13) between which are engagedopposite ends of the inwardly collapsed side walls 64 of the top closureas the container is raised by the elevator mechanism of the device.Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate the initial stage in the elevation of thecontainer and the opening of the peaked-top closure, wherein oppositeends of the peaked-top closure initially contact the arcuate abutmentfaces 79 of blocks 77.

The next stage is illustrated in Figs. l0 and v11 wherein,

the carton having been but slightly elevated above the level of Figs. 8and 9,*the opposite ends of the peakedtop closure of the container arecompletely received between the arcuate abutment face 79 and the pin 80of each block 77. It will be understood that as the carton is elevatedfrom the level of Fig. 9 to the level of Fig. 10 blocks 77 will pivotslightly from their normal position in Fig. 9 to the position of Fig.10. As the container continues to rise within inner shroud 51, theentire gripping assembly 7) is carried upwardly together with thecontainer with the result that roller 76 of tripping arm 75 initiallyrides up the ared mouth 51a and then the inner wall of shroud 51, asshown in Fig. 12. Consequently the shaft or crossbar 71 is caused torotate counter-clockwise as seen in Fig. l2 with simultaneous rotationof lingers 74 outwardly toward the wall of shroud 51. The outwardpivoting movement of lingers 74 results in spreading and opening thepeaked-top closure of the container so that the supply conduit 40 maythen enter the container, as shown in Fig. 3. It will be noted that theoperation of the gripping and spreading assembly 70 does not require anyexternal actuating mans,the opening of the top closure being effectedsolely by the -upward movement of the container and the describedarrangement of assembly 70 within shroud 51. It will be further notedwith particular reference to Figs. 8 and 9 that as the container iselevated it will be supported on opposite sides between the wall ofinner shroud 51 and the crossbar 71 of assembly 70. Consequently it,will be apparent that the square cut-outs 23 of conveyor belt 16 arearranged as has been previously de'-v scribed so that each containerwill come to rest on platform 31 in a position of predeterminedalignment with respect to supply conduit 40 and inner shroud 51, or moreparticularly with respect to the gripping assemblyl 70 of the latter.

The complete cycle of sequential operations will now be described withreference to Fig. 5 which illustrates schematically an electricalcontrol circuit for the device. Fig. 5 also illustrates diagrammaticallythe conveyor actuating means and the platform elevating means which havebeen previously described. For the purpose of con- Veniently tracing outthe circuits to the various solenoids and relay switches which controlthe movement of the conveyor actuating means and the platform elevatingmeans in predetermined timed sequence, the positive lead is illustratedas being heavier and darker than the negative lead of the controlcircuit. Beginning at the stage in the operation of the deviceillustrated in Fig. 1, it will be understood that both the conveyoractuating means and the platform elevating means are retracted and thatan empty container has just been conveyed to the filling station to restposition upon platform 31. Pusher claw 27 and pusher plate 36 have beenretracted by air cylinders 24 and 34 respectively and platform 31 is inrest position supported by retaining flanges 30 of table well 15.

As pusher claw 27 arrives in its retracted position, a tripping armsuitably mounted on piston rod 25 closes switch A. Current now ows'through positive lead, through switch A, through switch B, through relaycontact C1 energizing solenoid Dr and returns to negative terminal.Energization of solenoid D1 closes relay contact E.

Current now flows through positive lead, through relay E, throughsolenoid F and returns to negative terminal. Solenoid F controls themovement of an air valve 86 associated with air cylinder 34 so as toalternately supply compressed air at the top and bottom of the cylinderas illustrated in Fig. 5. Energization of solenoid F turns air valve 86ninety degrees in a clockwise direction from the position shown therebyintroducing compressed air at the bottom of air cylinder 34 to elevateplatform 31 and the container C. As the container assumes its uppermostor filling position of Fig. 3, the bottom wall of the containercontactsexternal projection 45a of valve plug 45 and opens the valvepermitting a tiow of liquid into the container.

When the liquid flowing into the container reaches a predetermined levelit contacts the probe 60. It will be understood that when the elevatormechanism raised platform 31 switch H closed and switch B opened, switchH being arranged for actuation by the bottom of cylinder shield 38 andswitch B by a tripping arm 38a secured to said shield. Now, therefore,current flows through positive lead, through switch H, through solenoidI, through probe 60 (grounded by contact with liquid level) and back tonegative terminal.

Energization of solenoid I closes switch K and current flow is nowthrough positive lead, through switch K, through solenoid D2 and back tonegative terminal. Energization of solenoid D2 opens relay contact E,thereby de-energizing solenoid F whereupon spring 87 retracts solenoidplunger 88 and restores air valve 86 to its normal position illustratedin Fig. 5, introducing compressedv ai'rat th top of air cylinder 34 andbleeding airrfromi'lthe bottom thereof. p Retractin Aof piston rod3,5Jresultsin rvloweringt'lf platform 3 1 and; container. Delivery.valvei closesand shutsoff the new of liquid. .Upon retraction ofrpiston rod 35, switch Il is again openedand switch l is .izlosed.vOpening o f switch H deenergizes, solenoidl J; .and opens switch K,thereby deeersizingfslenoid Dity i.. f l. Closing of switch B results incurrent owthrough posi-v tiveled, through lswitch A, A through V switchB, tnrough relayeontact ,C2( contact Ce having been previously closedbythe energization o f solenoid L through the closingof-switeh H whenplatform 31 was raised), through solenoid M and back. to negativeterminal. Solenoid- M centrolsgthe movementof an air valve9-ilassoeiated with air cylinder 24 so as to alternately supplycompressed airzat lthe forward `andrear ends of said cylinder.Energization of ysolenoid M turns air valve 9i) ninetydegrecs fromthepositio'nshown in Fig. 5 thereby introducingcompressed airattherearof cylinder 24 to advance pusher claw 27- -`and to simultaneouslyadvance the Acnveyor belt 1,6.A -The advancementof conveyorbelt 16removesthe filled container and deposits a fresh empty container atVtheiilling station of the device. As pusher claw 27ladvan:es switch Aopens and as ,piston rod 2 5 reachestheend of its advancing stroke,tripping arm 85 closes switch-O. The closing of switch O energizessolenoid P and results in the opening of relay contact C2. and theclosing of relay Contact C1, thereby de-energizing solenoidM., .Uponde-energigation of solenoid M, spring 91 retracts solenoidplunger 92 andrestores air valve 90 toits pos-itionof Fig. 55 thereby introducingcompressed airiatthe .front end .of air cylinder 2 4 end bleeding airfrom the rear end thereof. Pusher claw 27 and piston rod ,25 arefthusret racted. Vto complete the cycle of operations of lthe lling device..l

The control circuitis also devised in such amar-inet that'platform 31and the elevator mechanism will immediately retract iftheplatform isinadvertently raised to filling position without van empty container onthe platform.. Normally the upper limit of motion of platform31-isfdeter-mined by contact of the bottom wallof a container againstthe bottom of delivery valve 44, as shownv in Fig. 3.v It will beremembered that platform 31.isnformedWithacentral aperture 33. lfnocarton iscarried uponplatform 31, said platform 31 and the elevatormechanism is arranged to rise a slighndistance above itsnormal level byentry of the valve 44 within platform aperture 33, at which ,pointswitch 95 is adapted to be closed, as by thetupper end of protectiveshield 38 .of air cylinder 34. Ther closing of switch .-95 energizessolenoid D2, opening relay contact E and de-energizing solenoid F toimmediately retract the elevator mechanism and platform 31. It isemphasized that switch 95 will not'- `closeat the end of the upwardstroke. of theelevator stroke unless there is. no container on .platform31.

Safety switch `9`6 vis provided to .prevent tipping and spillingofthecontents of a filled carton at the last vstalil tion fontherightfhand side` of the Vdevice by preventing advancement of the,conveyorac'tuating means unlessfthe carton hasbeen removed. Safetyswitch 96 is ofthe normally closed type but will be opened unless the.iilled containertin broken outline in Fig. 5) is removed Vfrom the laststation on, the righthand side of the device. Y theconta-iner .is.notremoved, switch 96 .remains open n thereby preventing energization ofsolenoid M and preventing advancement of pusher hclaw Z7 and feeding oftheconveyor,

. Fromthe foregoing it 'is apparentuthat thefpractice of y the presentinvention provides afllling device hav-ing a .great numberof distinct..andl considerable advantages ovendevicesof.,conventional design andconstruction intendedfor `the samegeneralpurpose The filling device.efthepresentinvention.is characterized by. unusua1 ease 1:

and economy of fabrication since it comprises a minimum f componentsuiringpr'eeisin fabrical 1 'l u.

i tion; ease and simpl 1i y of design, vassembly,operation, adjustment,mintenee and repair; accessibility, of c0rn ponent'sfor cleaning,maintenance and repair; high de gree.v of saniiatin',.sfty fturesforboth operator and machine; adaptability for, necessary cleaning .bysteam mrnersionfor the like; adaptability for uniform and fo""less.filling operations; limination of necessity for' externalreservoir tusdfin conventional pump feeding arrangemen sgg i ation of necessityIfor premeasuring before filling 1: e ra t1on commenced; directmeasurement. f.volume of llin the container without requiringconsideration of factorss'lch .as time and/ or weight as aresult of lthe.cooperative interrelationship of themechanical components and ,theelectrical system including the level-detectingprobe 0;. ac`curacyanduniformity of filling operation and ftheprovisionof pressure necessaryfof a'uxiliarly operationsQsueh as spray vcleaning by steam,disinfectan'ts and the like. .It. is f urther noted that theelec'fricalsystemjs designe and arranged in such a man ner' 'that powerfailure will result in the immediate and automaticreturnpf p latform 3 1to rest position, since thevde-energization of solenoid F accompanyingvsuch p owerfailreallws springl to retract solenoid plunger 88, therebyrestoring .air valve 86 to its normal lposition illustrated in Fig.introducingcom'pressed air at the top of 4air cylinder y34 and bleedingair from the bottom thereof. As has been previously described,4 retracftionof pistnrodliSf'results in the lowering of piat'form 1.Anfautomatieffilling device for Vcontainers compris ig .'a vertical,supply condu`it having a delivery valve y,at 'the lower end thereo f^,said valve having a valve plug protruding externally thereof andadaptedto permit aflow of `liquid uponbeingraised, 'a horizontal table having adepressed well portion a path of conveyance for container-s along; saidtable, intermittently operating conveyor meansfor feeding emptycontainersto afillingstation on saidftable well-inalignment with saidsupply cond uit, ,an eleyat able platform; disposed at, saidullingstation, said conveyor means including an endless belt passing aboveandbeneath `said tab le and overlying saidtable well, sai f l belt havingapluralityof receiving apertures .permitting insertion of.eon`t`ainer'sfor slidable, movement along s aid `tablevi/ ell upon actuation o f saidconveyor belt, reciprocable means disposed betweenithe underside of theltable andthe endless belt and engaging a .portion of the bounding vwallofeah aperture in successive Washio'n vto.intermitten'tly rnove tliebeltAover 'the table andrecip- Yr'ocable elevator means for raising a-container retained onsid pla'tform-intollingposition wherein said,valve `is opened dy Contat of the bottomwall of said container against"said va1vep1ug. r2. An automatic llingdevi'ce'for containers comprisingfa 'vertical Vsupplyconduithaving 'a delivery valve at the knit/ei' endthereof, "said, valve having a valve plug protrudingexteriially thereof-'and adapted to `permit a A raising acontainer on v said platform intofilling position .wherein said l,valve opened by contact of the bottom.wal-1 @fsa-id. containertiagainst saidvalve ,p lngf,and.e1ee tricalcontrol means including a level-detecting element armements and hun? 9carried bythe supply conduit operative to cause lowering of saidelevator means at a predetermined llinglevel within the container.

3. An automatic filling device for containers comprising a verticalsupply conduit having a delivery valve at the lower end thereof, saidvalve having a valve plug protruding externally thereof and adapted topermit a flow of liquid upon being raised, a horizontal table having adepressed well portion defining a path of conveyance for containersalong said table, intermittently operating conveyor means for feedingempty containers to a filling station on said table Well in alignmentwith said supply conduit, an elevatable platform disposed at said llingstation, said conveyor means including an endless belt passing above andbeneath said table and overlying said table well, said belt having aplurality of receiving apertures permittinginsertion of containers forslidable movement along said table well upon actuation of said conveyorbelt, reciprocable elevator means for raising a container retained onsaid platform into filling position wherein said valve is opened bycontact of the bottom wall of said container against said valve plug,and electrical control means including a level-detecting elementoperative to cause lowering of said elevator means at a predeterminedfilling level with the container.

4. An automatic filling device in accordancewith claim 1 furthercharacterized in that said conveyor means and said elevator means eachinclude a compressed air cylin-v der having a solenoid-actuated airvalve arranged to alternately admit compressed air into opposite ends ofsaid air cylinder for advancement and retraction of the-respectiveactuating means.

5. An automatic filling device in accordance with claim 3 furthercharacterized in that said conveyor means and said elevator means eachinclude a compressed air cylinder having a solenoid-actuated air valvearranged to alternately admit compressed air into opposite ends ofsaidair cylinder for advancement and retraction of the respective actuatingmeans.

6. An automatic filling device for containers having a peaked-topclosure, comprising a vertical supply conduit having a delivery valve atthe lower end thereof, said valve lhaving a valve plug protrudingexternally thereof and adapted to permit a flow of liquid upon beingraised, a horizontal table, intermittently operating conveyor means forfeeding empty containers to a filling station on said table in alignmentwith said supply conduit, an elevatable platform disposed at saidfilling station, reciprocable elevator means for raising a containerretained on said platform into filling position wherein said valve isopened by contact of the bottom wall of said container against saidvalve plug, a cylindrical shroud member surrounding said supply conduitand extending below the level of said delivery valve, and a gripping andspreading element slidably retained by said shroud member and operativeto open the peaked-top closure of the container upon elevation of thecontainer to filling position.

7. An automatic filling device for containers having a peaked-'topclosure, comprising a vertical supply conduit having a delivery valve atthe lower end thereof, said valve having a valve plug protrudingexternally thereof and adapted to permit a fiow of liquid upon beingraised, a horizontal table having a depressed well portion defining apath of conveyance for containers along said table, intermittentlyoperating conveyor means for feeding empty containers to a fillingstation on said table well in alignment with said supply conduit, anelevatable platform disposed at said filling station, said conveyormeans including an endless belt passing above and beneath said table andoverlying said table well, said belt having a plurality of receivingapertures permitting insertion of containers for slidable movement alongsaid table well upon actuation of said conveyor belt, reciprocableelevator means for raising a container retained on said platform intofilling position wherein said valve is opened by contact of the bottomwall 10 of said container against said valve plugfa cylindrical shroudrmember surrounding said supply conduit and extending belowthe level ofsaid delivery valve, and a grip-1 ping and spreading element slidablyretained by said shroud member and operative to open thepeaked-topclosure of the container upon elevationof thecontainer to' means forfeeding empty containers to a filling stationy on said table inalignment with said supply conduit, an elevatable platform disposed atsaid filling station, reciprocable elevator means for raisinga containeron said` platform into filling position wherein said valve is opened byContact of the bottom wall of said container against said valve plug,electrical control means including a leveldetecting element operative tocause lowering of'said elevator means at a predetermined filling levelwithin the container, a' cylindrical shroud `member surrounding saidsupply conduit'and'extending below the level of said delivery valve, anda gripping and spreading element slidably retained by said shroudmemberfand operative to open the peaked-top closure of the containerupon elevation of the container to filling position.

9. An automatic filling device for containers having a peaked-topclosure,comprising a vertical supply conduit having a delivery valve atthe lower end thereof, said valve having a yvalve4 plug protrudingexternally thereof and vadapted to permit a ow of liquid upon beingraised, a horizontal table having a depressed well portion defining apath of conveyance for containers along said table, intermittentlyoperating conveyor means for feeding empty containersto a fillingstation on said table well in alignment with said supply conduit, anelevatable platform disposedat said filling station, said conveyor meansincluding an endless belt passing above and beneath said table andoverlying said tablewell, said belt having a plurality of receivingapertures permitting insertion of containers for slidable movement alongsaid table well upon actuation of said conveyor belt, reciprocableelevator means for raising a container retained on said platform intofilling position wherein said valve is opened by contact of the bottomwall of said container against said valve plug, electrical control meansincluding a leveldetecting element operative to cause lowering of saidelevator means at a predetermined filling level with the container, acylindrical shroud member surrounding said supply conduit and extendingbelow the level of said delivery valve, and a gripping and spreadingelement slidably retained by said shroud member and operative to openthe peaked-top closure of the container upon elevation of the containerto filling position.

10. An automatic filling device for containers in accordance with claim6, wherein said shroud member is formed with an outwardly fiaring mouthportion and said gripping and spreading element comprises a crossbar, apair of upwardly extending fingers fixed to said crossbar, "contactmembers mounted at the free ends of said fingers for limited pivotalmovement and adapted to engage opposite ends of the peaked-top closureof the container as the container is elevated within said shroud, and arearwardly extending tripping armfixed to said crossbar and having aroller at the free end thereof normally engaged against said mouthportion of said shroud member, said arm being operative upon elevationof the container to pivot said fingers and contact members about saidcrossbar and open the peaked-top closure of the container.

l1. An automatic filling device in accordance with claim 7, wherein saidshroud member is formed with an outwardly flaring mouth portion and saidgripping and spreading element comprises a crossbar, a pair of up- A1`1fixed to said crossbar, contact ,free 'ends :of .said fingers -forwardly extendingv fingers members mounted 'at the` limited pivotalmovement and ends of the peaked-top closure of the container as thecontainer is elevated within said shroud, and a rearwardly extendingtripping arm fixed to said crossbar and having a roller at the free endthereof normally engaged against said mouth portion of wsaid shroudmember, said arm being operative upon elevation of the container topivotsaid tingers and contact members. about said crossbar and open thepeaked-top closure ofthe container.

12. AnA automatic filling device in accordance with claim 8 wherein saidshroud, member is formed with lan outwardly `flaring mouth portion andsaid gripping, and4 spreading element comprises a crossbar, a pair ofupwardly extending fingers iixed to said crossbar, contact membersmounted at `the, free ends of said ngers for limited pivotal movement`and adapted to engage opposite end's of the peaked-top closure of thecontainer as the container is `elevated within said shroud, and arearwardly extending tripping arm fixed to said crossbar and having a.roller at'the vfree end thereof normally engaged against said mouthportion of 'said shroud, member, said arm being operative upon elevationofthe container to pivot said ingersand contact members about saidcrossbar and open the peaked-top closure of the container.

13. An automatic filling device in accordance with claim 9, whereinsaidr shroud member is formed with an outwardly 'Haring mouth portionand said gripping and spreading element comprises a crossbar,` a pair ofupwardly extending fingers xed to said erossbar, contact members mountedat the free ends of said fingers .for limited pivotal movement andvadapted to engage opposite ends of the peaked-top closure of thecontainer as the container is elevated within said shroud, and arearwardly extending tripping arm fixed to said crossbar and having aroller at the freeV end thereof normally engaged against said mouthportion of said shroud member, said arm being operative upon elevationof the container to pivot said iingers and contact members .about saidcrossbar and open` the peaked-top closure of the container.

14. An automatic filling device for containers comprising a verticalsupply conduit having` a delivery valve at the lower end thereof, saidvalve having a valve plug protruding externally thereof and adapted tobe unseated by the bottom wall of a container into whichl the lower endof the supply conduit is positioned, a horizontal adapted to engageopposite 12 table having a vdepressed well portion underlying the supplyconduitand; defining a path of conveyancefor containers along the table,an endlessv belt having, an upper `reachy passing above the table andoverlying said table Well portion, anda lower reach passing beneath thetable, said belt Ahaving a plurality of spaced receiving apertures,permitting insertion of containers for slidable movement along saidtable well upon actuation of the conveyor belt, reciprocable meansdisposed between the underside of the table and the lower reach of thebelt and engaging a portion of the bounding wall of each aperture insuccessive fashion to intermittently move the upper reach of the beltover the table well, said table having an elevatable section underlyingthe supply conduit and onto which the containers are successively movedby the endless belt and means vertically disposed below the lower reachof the belt for raising said elevatable. section of the table with acontainer thereon to lift the container up to a position receiving thelower end of the supplyconduit.

15. An automatic filling device as claimed in claim 14, wherein saidelevatable section of the table has depending legs extending verticallybetween the reaches. of the belt and said means for raising said sectionincludes an air cylinder having a reciprocable piston rod, a pusherplate carried by the` piston rod and having recesses seating the legs,said pusher plate passing upwardly through one of the apertures in thelower reach of the belt.

1,6. An automatic filling device as claimed in claim 14, wherein saidapertures are square and are disposed in longitudinally spaced diamondfashion on the belt.

17. An automatic iilling device as claimed in claim 14, wherein saidreciprocable means for moving the belt includes an air cylinder having areciprocable piston rod having a pivoted pusher element formed at itsends with means engaging opposite end portions of the bounding wall ofeach aperture.

References Cited in the ile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 228,639Hupfel Iune 8, 1880 878,241l Schneider Feb. 4, 1908 904,092 SchneiderNov. 17, 1908 1,284,310 Gilbert Nov. 12, 1918 2,142,257 Saeta Ian. 3,1939. 2,633,282 Taminga et al Mar. 31, 1953

